Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com October 31, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 7 GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Report: CT credit quality lags compared to most of nation Connecticut is ranked 47th in the country for credit quality, accord- ing to Hartford-based investment manager Conning. Nationwide, states' outlooks have deteriorated from "stable" to "de- clining," Conning said in its 2016 State of the States report, with tax rev- enue headed downward, reserves falling, and expenditures growing. Some of the factors contributing to states' struggles include political gridlock, falling revenues, uneven job growth and pension liabilities, the report said. States that have fared better in Conning's view, including North Carolina, Colorado and New Hampshire, manifest strong economic performance, but those ranking at the bottom, including Connecticut, New Mexico, Kentucky and West Virginia, share large legacy costs with slower-growing economies that have hindered credit improvement. One of the drags on Connecticut's economy is its economic debt per capita, which is the third highest in the country at $19,987, outranked by Alaska at $22,225 and New Jersey at $22,196. This particular ranking reflects states at most risk of rising pension contributions, the report states. CBIA plots legislative priorities ahead of January session For the 2017 legislative session, promoting Connecticut's eco- nomic growth is as much about not enacting unfunded mandates or regulations that burden employers as it is about taking action to foster a more competitive economy, according to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. The CBIA released its 2017 legislative agenda last week, offering policy proposals focused on eight key areas, with sustainable state spending and tax policy heading the list. The others include: educa- tion and workforce development, energy, environment, health care, labor and employment, regulatory reform and transportation. For the most part, there are no groundbreaking policy ideas in CBIA's agenda. Most concepts are things the business lobby has ad- vocated for in the past, like urging lawmakers to restore fiscal stability and bolster business confidence by reforming state government, re- ducing the cost of services, stabilizing long-term state finances, and adopting tax policies that encourage private-sector investment. TRANSPORTATION Bradley opens high-end lounge Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks has opened a new high-end lounge for passengers. Bradley's Escape Lounge features unlimited, complimentary food and drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner created by chef Tyler Anderson. His menu is influenced by his local restaurants, Millwright's, The Cook & The Bear and Chango Rosa Tacos. Other amenities include stylish furnishings; private restrooms; flight information screens; free high-speed Wi-Fi; and a selection of newspapers and magazines. Kevin A. Dillon, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said the lounge will serve nearly six million pas- sengers a year at the airport, which recently underwent route expansion and added Aer Lingus flights. Admission is $45 per customer, with reservations available by phone or online for $40. WHAT'S AHEAD: ■ 11/7 Focus: Nonprofits ■ The List: Nonprofit compensation ■ Nonprofit Profile: Hartford Business Improvement District CALENDAR THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Insurance Market Summit The Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services Cluster's annual insurance summit this year will focus on the pace of the industry's innovation and change. The Nov. 10 event runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center and will explore industry shifts and showcase unique perspectives from global leaders, forward-looking experts and technological vanguard. The event will feature panel discussions from top insurance industry CEOs and two keynote speakers: author and practical futurist Michael Rogers and IBM's Glenn F. Finch, global managing partner, cognitive and analytics. Cost to attend is $300 for individuals. Special table prices are also available. For more information or to register go to: http:// connecticutifs.com/. Michael Rogers Glenn F. Finch DEAN SCANLON STARTED A REVOLUTION. WE HELP HIM KEEP IT SECURE. " Cox Business Security Solutions gives me the fl exibility to watch over my business, no matter where I am." —Dean Scanlon, owner, Revolution American Bistro As the owner of Revolution American Bistro in Cranston, RI, Dean Scanlon can't be at his restaurant 24 hours a day. That's why we've got him covered with our top-of-the-line Intrusion Detection technology and round-the- clock surveillance in crystal-clear HD video. And with the ability to monitor everything from his smartphone in real time, Dean has peace of mind knowing that Cox Business is looking out for his business — even when he's not there. Security that means business. Visit coxbusiness.com/securitysolutions Call (877) 404-2523 Cox Business Security is available to business customers in Cox Business Connecticut service areas. Service not available in all areas. Service Agreement required. Other restrictions may apply. © 2016 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K An interior view of Bradley's new Escape Lounge. P H O T O | C O N T R I B U T E D

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